It's already yours - Experiencing LIFE Today - March 29, 2019

2019Mar 29

COMMENTS

Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you. — Corrie ten Boom

While my son worked to save up for a car, Libby and I matched him dollar for dollar. But imagine if Liam hopped off the bus one day and saw a new car sitting in the driveway. We toss him the keys and say, “It’s yours; it’s a gift. No strings attached.”

Then imagine if my son were to take possession of the car but not drive it. In fact, he continues to work hard and deposits more money into the car fund. Most parents would lose it and say, “Son, drive the car. It’s yours!”

How foolish is it to work for something that is already yours?

We’ve established that old covenant Jews had three main desires: holiness, forgiveness, and intimacy with God. As believers, we desire the same. But do we realize all three desires are already fulfilled in Christ?

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain … (Hebrews 10:19-20, emphasis added)

Have is the word echo. It means “to possess, to own.” It’s also used regarding the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:22 to speak of the great wealth the young man possessed that was rightfully his—echo.

Confidence to stand before God is rightfully ours. What exactly is this confidence? It’s holiness. I know it doesn’t say “holiness,” but what else allows us to stand before God without inhibition? Only holiness makes us so bold. Only holiness allows us to run like a child and leap onto the lap of the Father, correctly assuming there’s room for us there.

And if holiness allows us to approach the Father, then intimacy is ours. And if we enter the throne room through Jesus’ blood, then forgiveness is ours.

In short, the keys are in your hand and the car is in the driveway. Are you going to drive it, or will you keep working for your own salvation as though nothing has changed because of Christ?